The 31-member committee that is advising the protesting wrestlers on Sunday said if Wrestling Federation of India chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh is not arrested by May 21, it will take a “significant decision”. Later wrestler Vinesh Phogat insisted that the protest has not been hijacked by farmers.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, Khap Maham 24 chief Mehar Singh and Sankyut Kisan Morcha’s (non-political) Baldev Singh Sirsa joined the wrestlers on the dias and addressed the media.

“Many leaders from khap panchayat and SKM attended the meeting.

“We decided that members from every khap will come to the protest site every day. They will stay here during the day and return by the evening,” Tikait said before a huge gathering.

“The wrestlers’ committee will take care of the protest and we will support the wrestlers from outside.

“We have scheduled a meeting for May 21. If the government does not offer a resolution, we will devise our next strategy,” he added.

“If any emergency arises, if the wrestlers face any problem, the nation stands behind them.”

The wrestlers, along with hundreds of supporters, carried out a candle light march in the evening.

Anticipating a large gathering in support of the wrestlers, the security arrangements were beefed up in advance.

More than 500 personnel, including women, from agencies such as Rapid Action Force (RAF), the Delhi police and the CRPF were deployed at the protest site.

Vinesh also hinted that the protest may become bigger if their demands are not met. “We can take a big call if a resolution does not come by May 21.

“No one has hijacked our protest, it’s just that people have joined us in our fight against injustice. These people respect us and care for our dignity,” she said.

“All the women can connect to this battle,” she added.